Cruel Is the Light - by Sophie Clark (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Originally published by Penguin Random House UK, London, and Penguin Random House Australia, Sydney, in 2025"--Page facing title page.

Book Synopsis

INSTANT #1 UK BESTSELLER - The epic young adult romantasy that caused an international sensation--a star-crossed, enemies-to-lovers saga about a war between demons and exorcists . . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.

"Sinister magic, crackling banter, and sizzling tension."--Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace

It is said that love conquers all. But will it tear them apart?

Humanity has waged a bloody war against demons for more than a century, with two elite soldiers now leading the fight: Selene Alleva, a powerful exorcist trained at the prestigious Vatican Academy, and orphan Jules Lacroix, unrivaled on the battlefield.

When their paths cross, the distrust--and unwelcome attraction--is immediately apparent. But to get to the bottom of a series of unprecedented demon attacks, Selene and Jules strike an uneasy alliance, agreeing to an unusual arrangement: a fake engagement. With Jules posing as Selene's estranged fiancé, they head to the holy Vatican City in search of answers--only to discover a terrible secret.

Soon Jules is forced to question everything he's ever known--including himself. And Selene, unable to ignore her growing feelings for Jules, must make an impossible choice between love and duty.

Book One of the Cruel Is the Light Duology

Review Quotes

"Surreal and beautiful." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Sophie Clark likes to say she writes fantasy featuring wounded girls with sharp edges, charming boys who fall for them anyhow, twisted gods, and other unholy things. She holds a masters degree in international relations, and worked for the Australian Senate before leaving politics for good. When not writing, she is almost invariably reading; when not reading, she's lavishing affection on her border collie, Indy, and soaking up the wild beauty of her home state of Tasmania, Australia.